California biologists lack access to a user-friendly, standardized database about the State's plants and animals and their habitats. Even basic data on who observed what, when, and where is often difficult to find, not current due to data entry backlogs, or insufficiently documented to ascertain validity. We hope to implement an Internet-based system accessible to everyone involved in the study, management, or observation of California's natural resources. Since location is a key element, geographic information system technology will be employed. Safeguards to ensure data integrity, protect sensitive species, and guarantee the confidentiality of selected data will be implemented where appropriate.